Alumni Spotlights
Heather Alberda 2000, 2026
Employer
GVSU
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Since graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2000 with
a B.A. in Criminal Justice with a Juvenile Justice emphasis, my career
has been guided by a deep commitment to public health, sexual health
education, and violence prevention. Over the past two decades, I’ve
worked across school systems, public health departments, nonprofit
organizations, and now higher education—developing and implementing
equitable, evidence-based programs that empower individuals and
strengthen communities. Early in my career, I recognized the
transformative power of health education, particularly in underserved
communities. That realization led me to pursue a Certificate in
Sexuality Education from the University of Michigan, and to earn
national certification as both a Sexuality Educator and a Supervisor
through AASECT. I’ve since led initiatives ranging from STI prevention
and jail-based education to statewide collaborations focused on
reproductive justice, consent, and youth empowerment. One of the most
impactful projects I’ve directed is the “Wear One” condom distribution
program, which began locally and now operates in over 45 counties
across Michigan. This program was recognized in 2018 with the
Outstanding Innovation Award at the Michigan State STD Conference, a
testament to the importance of accessible, stigma-free sexual health
resources in public health strategy. In recent years, my work has
evolved to include managing large-scale public health grants—focused
on school-based health centers, adolescent well-being, and
racial/ethnic health equity—and returning to Grand Valley as both a
Health Promotion Specialist and an Adjunct Professor in the School of
Public Health. At GVSU, I lead sexual health and violence prevention
programming that is rooted in data, shaped by community voices, and
infused with an equity lens. From coordinating peer educator programs
to designing campus-wide awareness campaigns and organizing GVSU’s
inaugural 1 in 5K for survivors of violence, my goal is to foster a
safer, more informed, and more inclusive campus culture. My leadership
and advocacy have been recognized with several recent honors: 2024
Honorable Mention Hometown Hero Award, presented by the Migrant Health
Task Force during Michigan Public Health Week (MDHHS), for my
commitment to migrant health outreach. 2024 Building Bridges Award
Nomination by the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,
highlighting my work in cross-cultural collaboration and equity. 2025
Collaboration and Creativity Catalyst Award from GVSU’s Division of
Student Affairs, acknowledging my contributions to campus-wide
innovation in student health promotion. These recognitions not only
reflect the impact of my work—they affirm the importance of
equity-driven health education in all spaces where people live, learn,
and grow. Currently, I’m pursuing my Master of Public Health
Administration at GVSU (expected 2026). This next academic step
reflects my ongoing commitment to system-level change and leadership
in health equity. It’s an opportunity to strengthen my ability to
shape policy, mentor the next generation of public health
professionals, and continue building bridges between communities and
the institutions that serve them. Grand Valley State University has
been a constant throughout my journey—from my undergraduate beginnings
to my current roles as educator, staff member, and student. The values
I learned here—integrity, service, and community engagement—remain at
the core of everything I do. I am proud to contribute to GVSU’s
mission by leading programs that empower students, support survivors,
and advocate for just, inclusive public health systems.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
Planning the Center for Health and Well-Being’s inaugural 1 in 5K
to support survivors of violence at GVSU.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Language matters, But the work matters more. Do the work in a way
that doesn't attract unnecessary or unfair attention. Focus your
energy on protecting it vs defending it.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Supportive Engaging Transformative
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I want to make a meaningful impact by advancing comprehensive
sexual health education and spearheading violence prevention efforts.
My goal is to cultivate a campus culture where students feel empowered
to make informed decisions, speak openly about their experiences, and
support each other—and where survivors of violence are met with
empathy, resources, and healing. By championing stigmafree
dialogue, evidencebased programs, and supportive peer networks,
I hope to help foster a safer, more compassionate Grand Valley community.
July 2025
Interest Area(s)
Criminal Justice, Public and Nonprofit Admin
Share this spotlight
This spotlight was originally posted to the Alumni website.
Return to the listing of alumni spotlights.